Sr. Production Planner Job

Responsibilities

• Production Order Management – 30%
  • Review and resolve daily MRP exception messages to address planning and supply issues.
  • Perform exception-based planning considering new volumes, product scale-ups, capacity, and asset use.
  • Create and sequence production orders by reactor grade and train, optimizing schedules in SAP.
  • Maintain demand forecasts by removing outdated data.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of production orders ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Raw Material Management – 30%
  • Release and manage raw material requisitions daily to meet demand and inventory targets.
  • Communicate delays from late raw material deliveries to Customer Service and Buyers.
  • Set and communicate raw material safety stock levels.
  • Monitor raw material supply after production or demand changes.
  • Enter supplier non-conformance reports and confirm missed deliveries.
  • Manage B2B and specialty workflow orders.
  • Participate in Supply & Operations Planning (S&OP).
  • Work closely with Purchasing, Plant Operations, Logistics, and Customer Service to optimize supply chain and prioritize production.
• Inventory Management – 30%
  • Provide monthly inventory and cost accuracy reports to relevant teams.
  • Lead investigations to resolve inventory discrepancies and prevent reoccurrence.
  • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly inventory transactions to maintain accuracy year-round.
  • Conduct monthly physical counts and reconciliations of raw materials and toted materials; increase frequency if discrepancies arise.
  • Support audits, stock takes, and compliance activities (SOX, corporate audits).
  • Collaborate with Process Engineering and Logistics to maintain accurate BOMs, routings, buffer stocks, and production data.
  • Report slow-moving inventory monthly.
  • Support ERP system transactions and resolve issues with blocked, quarantined, or non-standard inventory and production orders.
  • Review and clean Stock Transport Orders daily and close production orders in SAP twice weekly to maintain accurate MRP data.
  • Investigate and report significant inventory adjustments and troubleshoot data errors.
• Other Duties – 10%
  • Serve as backup to the Logistics Coordinator.
  • Participate in Logistics On-Call rotation every other week.
  • Support multiple plant locations as needed in a site-based, full-time role.
  • Ensure production needs are met based on forecasts, supply strategy, and urgent customer orders.
  • Comply with plant procedures, policies, and supply chain standards.
  • Take initiative, make timely decisions, and contribute to team goals through cooperation and participation.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in planning manufacturing operations.
• Proficient in materials management, supplier quality and performance requirements, understanding of production processes, and S&OP process.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• BS Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field (preferred).

Skills

• SAP related training or certifications preferred.
• APICS certification.
• Six Sigma, LEAN, and/or ISO experience.
• Proven leadership of teams, projects, etc.
• Versatile and flexible team player.
• Ability to engage a cross-functional team towards a desired outcome.
• Ability to organize and plan use of time and people effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good verbal and written communications skills to communicate effectively with the hourly workforce, the plant day staff, contract employees, and other plant and company leaders.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Solid judgment and problem analysis skills.
• Experience with developing or implementing environmental systems & policies.
• Highly motivated team player able to work at a fast pace.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

This position reports in a manufacturing facility. The position will be mainly desk-oriented but must be able to walk through production areas and participate in inventory activities as needed.